The GOP is growing more indifferent to the Trump controversy as the election approaches

“No,” said Georgia Sen. Kelly Loffler when asked if the president was concerned about lying about the virus. “It’s fake.”

When asked if Trump made a mistake in misleading people, Arizona Sen. Martha McSally said, “You guys are terrible.”

Others declined to comment, making it clear that they were unwilling to resolve the dispute at all.

When asked about Trump’s remarks to Woodward, Senator Joni Ernest, an Iowa Republican who declined to comment three times last week, said “not now.”

As election day approaches, Trump controversies have escalated – even with Republicans indifferent to them. For much of Trump’s presidency, Republicans have rarely pushed back on the controversies and scandals that Trump himself has caused, knowing that doing so would provoke a Twitter attack from the president and a revolt from his vocal supporters – GOP legislators, especially the races in the toughest re-elections, are unbearable.

Many of the toughest re-election races avoid answering questions from reporters and taking back stairs and entrances to avoid areas where press conferences take place.

Senator Corey Gardner, who is facing a tough re-election bid in Colorado, appeared on the phone four times between Tuesday and Wednesday, refusing to answer questions as he entered and exited the back stairs into the Senate.

When asked if he could stop and ask questions as he left the Capitol after the final vote on Tuesday, Gardner responded by saying, “I’m on the phone,” as he walked towards the towed car the moment he left, a reporter who kept him out of contact. The spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.

However, others have allied themselves with the president.

Asked if it was appropriate for Trump to tell the public a different story than he had told Woodward, Sen. Steve Dines of Montana told CNN: “I want them to ask Joe Biden these questions when he is hiding and in front of reporters. The president is very open.”

And Mitch McConnell, a top Republican and majority leader in the Senate, asked a question on Tuesday about whether the president is being honest with the people.

“I’m sure you can get answers from the president himself,” McConnell said.

Some Republicans speak

Some Republicans expressed concern after reporters asked about Trump’s remarks.

“The American people can take harsh facts and he has a responsibility as president to stay straight with them and tell them everything he knows,” Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican who is a major Republican in a tough race, said in a debate with Woodward last week after refusing to answer questions in Capitol about Trump’s remarks.

Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican, said: “I do not take the policy of the President.”

“I think it’s important at the outset to say how bad this thing is,” said Illinois Republican spokesman Adam Kinzinger. “In my mind, I think he should be very clear on what it means if we can go back in time.”

Avoiding Trump anger

Yet GOP criticism of Trump is rare – focusing on controversies that could put the president in a tough spot.

Asked if he would investigate reports of DeJoy’s illegal writings, Johnson said: “I’m sure you have a better chance of investigating as soon as I can.”

Recalling that he had subpona power, Johnson said: “Try to run it.”

Others say Trump disputes are out of proportion.

Speaking about the Nevada rally, the President said, “Every day since the election there will be something about how he did not do this right, or how he is not exercising this right.” “I think he’s doing a good job on this.”

Commenting on the rally, Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley said: “When they go inside, they are advised to wear a mask, and they do.” What can you do?